Report: Knicks, James Dolan Done With Isiah Thomas

NEW YORK (WFAN) — Knicks fans can rest easy. According to the New York Post, James Dolan “has given up on the idea of hiring back Isiah Thomas in any capacity.”

“(Knicks president Donnie) Walsh … is confident he no longer needs to be threatened by the dark cloud of Thomas, according to two people familiar with the situation,” the paper reported. “Walsh is expected to be granted permission to hire his successor as a central part of a new agreement that should be formally announced shortly.”

Walsh’s current contract expires June 30.

When Knicks owner James Dolan met with Carmelo Anthony before New York’s blockbuster trade, there were reports he had taken control away from Walsh — with former team president and coach Thomas advising him — and offered the Nuggets more than Walsh was prepared to.

According to the paper, Dolan is still on good terms with Thomas “but no longer trusts him to the point of giving him another basketball job.”

In just three seasons, Walsh turned a team that overspent and underachieved into what Amar’e Stoudemire and Anthony believe is now a desired destination among NBA players.

“Absolutely. Donnie has done a phenomenal job. He’s one of the main reasons why I’m here in New York and how we have turned the Knicks franchise around,” Stoudemire said after the team’s playoff ouster. “And coach D’Antoni is the reason why we have a winning record and had a chance to do something special in the playoffs if it wasn’t for a few injuries. So I definitely think that both of those guys will be back for next season.”

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